Cracked walls, windows, doors that stick, and uneven or sagging floors are the symptoms of a home’s foundation problem. After research, homeowners usually find out that they have a sinking foundation, but the question is, can their foundation be fixed?
The truth is that foundation problems never fix themselves and if we let the symptoms continue, foundation issues would impact the safety of your home, your home’s value, and last but not least, your peace of mind.
There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate your home is experiencing a foundation settlement problem: stair-step cracking, separating chimneys, and problems with doors and windows. The causes of foundation settlement can vary. It can be due to drying and shrinking of soil, wetting and softening of soil, or compression of poorly compacted fill soil.Whatever the cause is, there are two options that work great to fix a foundation settlement: Steel Push Piers and Helical Piers.Push PiersPush piers stabilize your home’s foundation. This solution can also lift your home back toward level, closing cracks and improving the operation of doors and windows.Helical PiersCan be used also to permanently stabilize your home but they’re named like that for their unique design with one or more helix-shaped blades. These piers can be installed from the exterior or interior of your home and are an ideal solution to stabilize a lighter structure that has settled, such as a deck.How do I know if my foundation is sinking? Why is my home foundation settling? Can a sinking foundation be fixed? Having any foundation issues can be stressful, especially when you don’t know much about it.
How to know if you have a sinking foundation and how to fit ix.
What is a sinking foundation?
A sinking foundation, also referred to as settlement, is a common issue for homeowners. Settlement occurs when the soils beneath the home or building structure begin to lose stability and/or wash away. This is due to changing weather conditions where dry periods cause the soil to shrink and wet weather causes the soil to soften or wash away. Sinking foundations on homes and building structures is very common in and around Vancouver. The reason is because there are many different types of soils in the Metro Vancouver area, and many of them are susceptible to shrinking and shifting, leaving less support for your home to sit on.
How do I know my foundation is settling?
Our best advice? Have your home inspected by a professional. This is the best way to tell if you have a sinking foundation. However, there are also helpful indicators to look out for. Some indicators of a settlement are:
- Cracks in your foundation or concrete slabs
- Sinking or sagging floors
- Cracks on your walls and near doors and windows
- Your doors and windows are sticking
- Gaps between your floor and walls
- Chimney is separating from the home
- Voids, pooling water, or trip hazards in your concrete
Can a sinking foundation be fixed?
Yes, a sinking foundation can be fixed, but stabilizing your home’s foundation requires an experienced, specialized contractor who can offer you the right solution to permanently solve your problem. Repairing a sinking foundation on your own home comes at a huge risk and could result in further damage. Some homeowners attempt at fixing their settling foundation with self levelling compounds. However, a self levelling compound will not actually address the issue of your settlement, it just covers it up temporarily. If you choose to DIY this repair, your foundation will continue to sink. Lucky for you, True Level Concrete is home to BC’s leading foundation repair specialists. Our team ensures an easy, efficient, and careful process throughout the foundation repair so you can have peace of mind from beginning to end.In addition, we offer a full assessment of your foundation issues before proceeding with the project. If you are suspicious that your foundation is settling, don’t wait for the issue to get worse and more expensive. Get in touch with our friendly team for a free estimate on your project.A sinking foundation can be fixed, but stabilizing your home’s foundations requires a trustworthy, specialized contractor that will guide you and offer you the perfect fit to solve your problem permanently.Do you want to know which kind of solution is best for your sinking foundation? Book an appointmentwith us! If you want to see us in action, visit our case studies section and check the latest projects that we’ve been working on.
